The Making Of A Champion

Judges 6:12

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him (Gideon), and said unto him, the Lord is with the, thou mighty man of valor.

Man, oh man, what a great greeting Gideon just got. And this was not just any old angel that spoke to him either. When you see the term "angel of the Lord" written like this, it is speaking of a pre-incarnate visit from Jesus Himself. The amazing thing about this is that Gideon was out slinking around in the darkness trying to find some food for his family. He was using the cover of darkness because the Midianites had besieged them and were holding them all captives. Gideon was fearing for his life, in what seemed to be a hopeless situation.

Now the interesting question is, "Why did the Angel of the Lord call Gideon a mighty man of valor?" I know that he knew what Gideon was doing and why he was hiding in the darkness. He knew the fear that was gripping his heart. The answer to this perplexing question is in the verse that says, "Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart." (1Samuel 16:7) God does not look a things the way they are, he looks at them the way they can be. He is a possibility thinker. He knows that in Him, there is nothing that is impossible. In fact, He is so convinced that He went on to say that Gideon was a mighty man of valor.

Maybe you too have felt like Gideon did. Things seem hopeless, it looks like you will never be able to meet all the deadlines, pay all the bills, or get through the trials that you are in. Even when everything looks impossible and insurmountable, you must remember that with God, all things are possible.

God looks at you, not as what you are, but as you can be. He sees the potential in you to accomplish great feats of victory and triumph. He knows that a man or woman anointed with His Spirit and power can accomplish great things. Don’t trust in your own strength, put your trust in Him. You too are a person of might and valor in His eyes.